Elroy Air optimistic that its autonomous VTOL air cargo system will unlock the logistics potential of the sky

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A company called Elroy Air that is developing an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) air cargo system has closed a $9.2 million seed round of funding, according to VentureBeat.

The company says that it is developing its autonomous VTOL air cargo system for three primary reasons. First, it believes “access to express shipping improves quality of life and economic opportunities for people, and should be available to everyone.”

Second, it believes that “now is the moment in history when autonomous VTOL aircraft can be developed to expand the reach of air cargo at scale.”

And finally, the company believes that its specialized team of aerospace engineers, industrial designers, computer scientists, supply chain experts and entrepreneurs will develop the “definitive air logistics systems of the future.”

“At Elroy Air, we have set out to improve access to critical goods worldwide by expanding the reach of air cargo,” the company says in a blog post.

“To do this we are developing safe, autonomous aircraft systems that can bypass challenging conditions on the ground such as poor roads, difficult terrain, oceans and fjords — to unlock the logistics potential of the sky.”

Elroy Air says its autonomous aircraft can fly 24 hours a day, which allows shipments of goods to be delivered rapidly to any location, around the clock.

​According to Elroy Air, more than 70,000 people around the world lose their lives each year from the effects of natural disaster. The company also points out that between floods, fires, hurricanes, extreme temperatures and earthquakes, more than 569 million people were negatively impacted by natural disasters in 2016.

“There are critical hours after a disaster event when casualties can be minimized simply by getting people the needed supplies rapidly. It is often difficult to transport essential goods — food, water, medical supplies — during these crucial moments,” the company explains.

With this in mind, Elroy Air is building an autonomous end-to-end aerial delivery system optimized to minimize the risk to human lives and reduce transport times in disaster relief scenarios, as its vehicle will fly bulk goods on short timeframes to remote locations and populations in need.

“We know that natural disasters are inevitable, but we believe we can help reduce the number of lives that are lost during these tragic moments,” the company says.

Elroy Air says that its VTOL cargo aircraft systems expand the reach of air cargo because they are not slowed by traffic, terrain, or automotive speed limits. Additionally, their efficient hybrid gas-electric powertrain facilitates long-range flights, lower emissions than traditional aircraft, and zero reliance on expensive battery-charge infrastructure.

Also, autonomy on the ground and in the air allows for expanded operational hours and minimal staffing requirements, with 24/7 delivery capabilities.

“Building on the same powertrain and perception technology enabling today’s hybrid, electric, and autonomous vehicles, our vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) cargo transport systems can operate outside of airport infrastructure and they carry 500 lbs of cargo over 300 miles,” the company says.

With a mission of improving the quality of life around the planet by expanding the reach of air cargo in a safe, efficient and autonomous way, Elroy Air says that it will be launching its first systems next year, with a small number of shippers in select locations around the world.

“As we continue to grow each delivery will be a step closer to a better, more connected future,” the company says.